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Ireland are through to the Quarter Finals of the Rugby World Cup 2011. Huge credit must go to Irish coach, Declan Kidney and every member of his squad. Ireland went into the tournament with four straight loses. Now, the Irish team have recorded four convincing wins and have qualified top of Pool C. Credit must also be given to the outstanding support the Irish team are receiving in New Zealand. Every Irish player has spoken of the incredible support for the team. Don’t underestimate the influence the crowd can have on a result. They lift the player’s spirits and inspire confidence within the squad. To all in New Zealand, keep up the great work!

The set piece always plays a vital role in any game of rugby. This game was always going to be won or lost up front in the set piece and that is how it turned out. Both sides were evenly balanced at half time. The loss of Italian tight head prop, Martin Castrogiovanni early in the second half swung the game in Ireland’s favour. Castro’s injury saw him replaced by Lo Cicero, who cannot play at tight head. This meant that loose head prop Perugini was forced to play at tight head. This was a monumental disaster for the Italians as their scrums simply fell apart. No rugby team in the world can hope to win a game without functioning scrums and lineouts. It is certainly not possible at this level.

Lineouts offer the most effective form of attack for a rugby side. Ireland utilized their lineout plays extremely well in the second half and the results were apparent. The Irish team scored two tries from exactly the same lineout move, from exactly the same place on the pitch. This was a rehearsed move that the Irish squad must have worked on throughout the week leading up to this game.

Rugby World Cup Analysis: Here is the breakdown of Ireland’s set piece:

Rugby World Cup: Ireland had four lineouts in the first half

On halfway. Full man lineout. Outcome = Kick

On Italian 22m line. 6 man. Outcome = Earls almost in at corner. Lineout to Italy

The loss of tight head prop Martin Castrogiovanni saw Italy fall to pieces in their scrums and lineouts. As a prop, Castro obviously had a massive role to play in the scrums but any change of personnel in the lineouts can and did cause major disruption for the Italians.

Rugby World Cup: Ireland had three scrums in the first half

On Italian 10m line. Outcome = Kick

On halfway line. Multiple phases. Outcome = Kick

On Italian 22m line. Outcome = Scrum to Italy

Rugby World Cup: Ireland had four scrums in the second half

On Ireland 10m line. Outcome = Penalty to Ireland

On Italian 5m line. Outcome = Turnover to Italy/Against the head

On Ireland 22m line. Outcome = Free kick to Ireland

On Ireland 5m line. Outcome = Penalty to Ireland

Rugby World Cup: Scrum analysis

Ireland are four wins from four and are oozing confidence. The team have generated tournament momentum by winning. Winning is a habit and Ireland are in the habit of winning at the moment. However, so are Ireland’s next opponents, Wales. These two sides are the in-form European rugby teams and another massive clash is in store next week.